Housing for portable electronic device with reduced border region

ABSTRACT

An electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover is disclosed. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/246,697, Sep. 27, 2011, entitled “HOUSING FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONICDEVICE WITH REDUCED BORDER REGION,” which is herein incorporated byreference, and which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/482,513, filed May 4, 2011, entitled “HOUSING FORPORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH REDUCED BORDER REGION,” which is hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a portable electronic device has a housing that encasesthe various electrical components of the portable electronic device.Often, the portable electronic device has a display arrangement thatincludes various layers. The various layers usually include at least adisplay technology layer, and may additionally include a sensingarrangement (e.g., touch sensors or touch screen) and/or a cover windowdisposed over the display technology layer. The cover window can be aplastic or glass cover that provides a protective outer surface thatprotects the display technology layer. The cover window can form part ofan outer surface for the housing of the portable electronic device.Conventionally, supporting or securing the cover window to otherportions of the housing tends to impede usage of a peripheral area ofthe cover window.

Nevertheless, as portable electronic device continue to be made smaller,thinner and/or more powerful, there remains a continuing need to provideimproved techniques and structures for supporting cover windows ofportable electronic device housings.

SUMMARY

The invention pertains to an electronic device having a housingstructure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover. Theglass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within theelectronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housingstructure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between anactive display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. Theenclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficientlystrong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portableelectronic devices.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as amethod, system, device, or apparatus. Several embodiments of theinvention are discussed below.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example,include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottomsurface and side surfaces; a glass cover for a top surface for theelectronic device enclosure; at least one peripheral internal supportstructure secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of theglass cover, wherein the at least one peripheral internal supportstructure is within the periphery of the glass cover; a screen assemblyhaving a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being securedto a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and atleast one surface support structure secured within the electronic devicehousing such that the at least one surface support structure is adjacentthe bottom surface of the screen assembly.

As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment can, forexample, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surfaceand a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface forsubstantially all of a surface of the electronic device; attaching atleast one peripheral support structure to a peripheral region of thebottom surface of the glass member; attaching a screen assembly to acentral region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attaching atleast one surface support structure to the at least one peripheralsupport structure, wherein the glass member, the screen assembly and theat least one peripheral support structure form a resulting displayassembly; and thereafter securing the resulting display assembly to aproduct housing using at least the peripheral support structure.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example,include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottomsurface and side surfaces; a glass cover for a top surface for theelectronic device enclosure; at least one mounting bracket secured to aperipheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover; a touch screenassembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surfacebeing secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glasscover; and a frame secured within the electronic device housing suchthat the frame is adjacent the bottom surface of the touch screenassembly.

As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment can, forexample, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surfaceand a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface forsubstantially all of a surface of the electronic device; attachingmounting brackets to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of theglass member; attaching a top surface of a screen assembly to a centralregion of the bottom surface of the glass member; attaching a frameadjacent a bottom surface of the screen assembly, wherein the glassmember, the frame, the screen assembly and the mounting brackets forminga resulting display assembly; and thereafter securing the resultingdisplay assembly to a product housing using the mounting brackets and/orframe.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example,include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottomsurface and side surfaces; a glass cover for a top surface for theelectronic device enclosure; a frame secured to a peripheral region of abottom surface of the glass cover; a screen assembly having a topsurface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a centralregion of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and at least onemounting bracket secured to the frame.

As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment can, forexample, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surfaceand a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface forsubstantially all of a surface of the electronic device; attaching aframe to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member;attaching a screen assembly to a central region of the bottom surface ofthe glass member; attaching mounting brackets to the frame, wherein theglass member, the frame, the screen assembly and the mounting bracketsforming a resulting display assembly; and thereafter securing theresulting display assembly to a product housing using the mountingbrackets and/or frame.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 a flow diagram of a housing formation process according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housingaccording to one embodiment.

FIGS. 2B-2E are a cross-sectional assembly diagrams for the electronicdevice housing shown in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housingaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side member and a mounting bracket of anelectronic device housing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side member and a mounting bracket of anelectronic device housing according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side member, a mounting bracket and a frame(portion thereof) of an electronic device housing according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 a flow diagram of a housing formation process according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housingaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of a handheld electronic deviceaccording to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments are described herein in the context of a housing for anelectronic device. The housing can make use of an outer member, whichcan be formed of glass. The outer member can be aligned, protectedand/or secured with respect to other portions of the housing for theelectronic device. The electronic device can be portable and in somecases handheld.

According to one aspect, the invention pertains to an electronic devicehaving a housing structure that is configured to receive at least oneglass cover. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly providedwithin the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to thehousing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border betweenan active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. Theenclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficientlystrong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portableelectronic devices.

The following detailed description is illustrative only, and is notintended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readilysuggest themselves to skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations asillustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicatorswill generally be used throughout the drawings and the followingdetailed description to refer to the same or like parts. It should beappreciated that the drawings are generally not drawn to scale, and atleast some features of the drawings have been exaggerated for ease ofillustration.

Embodiments of the invention can relate to apparatus, systems andmethods for forming a housing having a thin glass member for anelectronic device. In one example, the glass member may be an outersurface of an electronic device. The glass member may for examplecorrespond to a glass cover that helps form part of a display area of anelectronic device (i.e., situated in front of a display either as aseparate part or integrated within the display). Alternatively oradditionally, the glass member may form a part of the housing. Forexample, it may form an outer surface other than in the display area.

The apparatus, systems and methods for improving strength of thin glassare especially suitable for glass covers, or displays (e.g., LCDdisplays), assembled in small form factor electronic devices such ashandheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players,personal digital assistants, remote controls, etc.). The glass can bethin in these small form factor embodiments, such as less than 3 mm, ormore particularly between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, or even more particularlybetween 0.3 and 1.0 mm. The apparatus, systems and methods can also beused for glass covers or displays for other devices including, but notlimited to including, relatively larger form factor electronic devices(e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors,televisions, etc.). The glass can also be thin in these larger formfactor embodiments, such as less than 5 mm, or more particularly between0.5 and 3 mm, or even more particularly between 0.3 and 2.0 mm.

Embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-7. However,those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detaileddescription given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 a flow diagram of a housing formation process 100 according toone embodiment. The housing formation process 100 can operate to producea housing for an electronic device, or at least a portion of such ahousing.

The housing formation process 100 can initially obtain 102 a glassmember. A top surface of the glass member can represent an outer surfacefor the housing, and the bottom surface of the glass member is an innersurface that is not exposed. The glass member can serve as a significantouter surface for the housing. For example, the glass member cancorrespond to a top surface for the housing. Alternatively oradditionally, the glass member can correspond to a bottom surface forthe housing. The glass member is typically thin, particularly when usedwith portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the glass memberhas a thickness of less than 5 mm, or more particularly less than 1 mm.

After the glass member has been obtained 102, mounting brackets can beattached 104 to a peripheral region on the bottom surface of the glassmember. The mounting brackets can be attached to the bottom surface ofthe glass member using an adhesive. The adhesive can, for example, byprovided as a film or layer. Also, the manner by which the adhesive isdeposited can vary. In one implementation, the adhesive can be depositedby forming a peripheral pattern of adhesive that can be placed on thebottom surface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at theregions on the bottom surface of the glass member where the mountingbrackets are to be placed. In another implementation, the adhesive canbe screen printed on appropriate peripheral portions on the bottomsurface of the glass member. In still another embodiment, the adhesivecan be applied to the surface of the mounting brackets that is to besecured to the bottom surface of the glass member.

After the mounting brackets have been attached 104, a touch screenassembly can be attached 106 to a central region of the bottom surfaceof the glass member. The touch screen assembly can include a pluralityof touch and display components that are laminated together to implementa touch screen. The touch and display components can, for example,include a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer(e.g., touch sensors) and/or a back light component.

The touch screen assembly can be attached 106 using an adhesive. Theadhesive can, for example, by provided as film or layer. Also, themanner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In oneimplementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a pattern ofadhesive (e.g., translucent adhesive) that can be placed on the bottomsurface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at the bottomsurface of the glass member where the touch screen assembly is to beplaced. The adhesive can additionally or alternatively be deposited onthe top surface of the touch screen assembly. In another implementation,the adhesive can be screen printed or sprayed on appropriate portion ofthe bottom surface of the glass member and/or a top surface of the touchscreen assembly.

Next, after the touch screen assembly has been attached 106, a frame canbe attached 108 such that the frame is adjacent to the bottom surface ofthe touch screen assembly. The frame being attached 108 can serve toprotect the touch screen assembly from damage and can provide structuralstiffness to the housing for the electronic device. The frame can beattached 108 to the mounting members or side members of the housing forthe electronic device. In one embodiment, the frame can be attached 108using any of a variety of means, such as adhesive, screws, snaps orwelds.

After the frame has been attached 108, the resulting display assembly,including the glass member, the mounting brackets, the touch screenassembly and the frame can be secured to the housing of the electronicdevice. For example, the resulting display assembly can be secured 110to the housing of the electronic device by way of the mounting bracketsand/or the frame. Following the block 110, the housing formation process100 can end.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing 200according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic devicehousing 200 can result from the housing formation process 100illustrated in FIG. 1.

The electronic device housing 200 includes a housing 202. The housing202 include side members 204 and a bottom member 206. A translucentmember 208 can be provided as a top surface for the electronic devicehousing 200. For example, the translucent member 208 can be a glassmember, often referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member(e.g., plastic).

The electronic device housing 200 can include a touch screen assembly210. The touch screen assembly 210 can include a plurality of touch anddisplay components that are laminated together. The touch and displaycomponents can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g.,LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a backlightlayer. The touch screen assembly 210 can be secured to a bottom surfaceof the translucent member 208 by a layer of adhesive 212.

Additionally, the electronic device housing 200 can include mountingbrackets 214 that are secured to the peripheral portion of the bottomsurface of the translucent member 208 with a layer of adhesive 216. Themounting brackets 214 can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainlesssteel) or a polymer. The mounting brackets 214 can be thin such as onthe order of 0.1-0.6 mm. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets 214can include a pair of rails secured to opposite sides of the peripheralportion of the bottom surface of the translucent member 208 with thelayer of adhesive 216.

The electronic device housing 200 can also include a frame 218. Theframe 218 is provided within the electronic device housing 200 andprovided adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 210.In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame 218 and thebottom surface on the touch screen assembly 210. The frame 218 can serveto provide stiffness to the electronic device housing 200 and can alsoprovide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly 210. The frame218 can be secured to the mounting brackets 214 or the side members 204by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps,adhesive).

An internal space 220 is provided internal to the electronic devicehousing 200 whereby various electrical components (e.g., includingprocessor, memory, battery and circuit board) can be attached, affixedor placed so as to provide electronic operations for the electronicdevice.

In general, the various members, parts or assemblies of the electronicdevice housing 200 can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g.,glass, polymers or metal. In one embodiment, the translucent member 208is glass, the mounting brackets 214 and the frame 218 are formed frommetal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing 202 is formed fromglass, polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal.

FIGS. 2B-2E are a cross-sectional assembly diagrams for the electronicdevice housing 200 shown in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment. TheFIGS. 2A-2D represent a sequence of exemplary assembly steps to assemblythe electronic device housing 200.

In FIG. 2B, the translucent member 208 having a top surface 300 and abottom surface 302 is provided. The bottom surface 302 of thetranslucent member 208 can have the adhesive 216 applied as a layer ofadhesive at selected regions along certain sides of a periphery of thebottom surface 302 of the translucent member 208. The mounting brackets214 can then be secured to the translucent member 208 via the adhesive216.

In FIG. 2C, the touch screen assembly 210 can then be secured to thetranslucent member 208 through use of the layer of adhesive 212.Typically, the layer of adhesive 212 would be translucent (e.g., clear).Here, the top surface of the touch screen assembly 210 is secured to thebottom surface 302 of the translucent member 208.

In FIG. 2D, the frame 218 can then be secured to the mounting brackets214. The frame 218 can be secured to the mounting brackets 214 or theside members 304 through use of adhesive, welds, screws, etc. Whenattached, the frame 218 is adjacent a bottom surface 304 of the touchscreen assembly 210. However, the frame 218 is typically not contactingthe bottom surface 304 of the touch screen assembly 210. Instead, thereis a small gap 306 between the frame 218 and the bottom surface 304 ofthe touch screen assembly 210.

In FIG. 2E, the assembly resulting at FIG. 2D can then be inserted intothe housing 202 for the electronic device. The assembly can be securedto the housing 202. For example, the assembly can be secured in placethrough use of adhesive, snaps, welds, screws, etc. In one embodiment,the mounting brackets 214 can be secured to side members 204 of thehousing 202. Once the assembly resulting at FIG. 2D is inserted and thensecured, the electronic device housing 200 as shown in FIG. 2A results.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing 300according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing 300 isgenerally similar to the electronic device housing 200 illustrated inFIG. 2A. The electronic device housing 300 includes a housing 302. Thehousing 302 include side members 304 and a bottom member 306. Atranslucent member 308 can be provided as a top surface for theelectronic device housing 300. For example, the translucent member 308can be a glass member, often referred to as a cover glass, or apolymer-based member (e.g., plastic).

The electronic device housing 300 can include a touch screen assembly310. The touch screen assembly 310 can include a plurality of touch anddisplay components that are laminated together. The touch and displaycomponents can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g.,LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a backlightlayer. The touch screen assembly 310 can be secured to the a bottomsurface of the translucent member 308 by a layer of adhesive 312.

Additionally, the electronic device housing 300 can include mountingbrackets 314 that are secured to the peripheral portion of the bottomsurface of the translucent member 308 with a layer of adhesive 316. Themounting brackets 314 can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainlesssteel) or a polymer. The mounting brackets 314 can be thin such as onthe order of 0.1-0.6 mm. The configuration and placement of the mountingbrackets 314 can be the same as the mounting brackets 214 used in FIG.2A, except that the mounting brackets 314 can, in one embodiment, belonger (i.e., have greater height) than the mounting brackets 214. Inone embodiment, the mounting brackets 314 can include a pair of railssecured to opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the bottomsurface of the translucent member 308 with the layer of adhesive 316.

The electronic device housing 300 can also include a frame 318. Theframe 318 is provided within the electronic device housing 300 andprovided adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 310.In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame 318 and thebottom surface on the touch screen assembly 310. The frame 318 can serveto provide stiffness to the electronic device housing 300 and can alsoprovide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly 310. The frame318 can be secured to the mounting brackets 314 or the side members 304by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps,adhesive). The configuration and placement of the frame 318 can be thesame as the frame 218 used in FIG. 2A, except that the frame 318 can besecured to the mounting brackets 314 at a lower position than used inFIG. 2A.

An internal space 320 is provided internal to the electronic devicehousing 300 whereby various electrical components (e.g., includingprocessor, memory, battery and circuit board) can be attached, affixedor placed so as to provide electronic operations for the electronicdevice.

In general, the various members, parts or assemblies of the electronicdevice housing 300 can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g.,glass, polymers or metal. In one embodiment, the translucent member 308is glass, the mounting brackets 314 and the frame 318 are formed frommetal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing 302 is formed fromglass, polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal.

Additionally, in one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 3, a top portionof the mounting bracket 314 that is secured to the bottom surface of thetranslucent member 308 with the layer of adhesive 316 can slightlyvertically overlap with a least one layer of the touch screen assembly310. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the top portion of the mountingbracket 314 that is secured to the bottom surface of the translucentmember 308 with the layer of adhesive 316 being slightly overlapped(e.g., horizontally overlapped) with a middle layer of the touch screenassembly 300. The ability to overlap these components slightly in thehorizontal direction provide for improved compact designs that are ableto have even further reduced border thickness (between edge of activedisplay area and edge of housing).

FIG. 4A illustrates a side member 400 and a mounting bracket 402 of anelectronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronicdevice housing can, for example, pertain the electronic device housing200 illustrated in FIG. 2A or the electronic device housing 300illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4A, the mounting bracket 402 is attachedto the side member 400 by welds 404.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side member 420 and a mounting bracket 422 of anelectronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronicdevice housing can, for example, pertain the electronic device housing200 illustrated in FIG. 2A or the electronic device housing 300illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4B, the mounting bracket 422 is attachedto the side member 420 by at least one snap 424 which provides amechanical retention therebetween.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side member 440, a mounting bracket 442 and aframe 444 (portion thereof) of an electronic device housing according toone embodiment. The electronic device housing can, for example, pertainthe electronic device housing 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A or theelectronic device housing 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4C, themounting bracket 442 is attached to the side member 440 by any of theabove-noted techniques (e.g., adhesive, snap, screw, weld), and theframe 444 can be secured to the mounting bracket 442 by at least onescrew 446 (or bolt). In an alternative embodiment, the screw 446 canfurther extend into or through the side member 440 to secure themounting member 442 and the frame 444 to themselves and the side member440.

In FIGS. 1-3 discussed above, the mounting bracket is secured to thebottom surface of a translucent member that can serve as a significantouter surface for a housing of an electronic device, such as a portableelectronic device. However, in other embodiment, a frame or otherstructural component can instead be secured to the bottom surface of thetranslucent member

FIG. 5 a flow diagram of a housing formation process 500 according toone embodiment. The housing formation process 500 can operate to producea housing for an electronic device, or at least a portion of such ahousing.

The housing formation process 500 can initially obtain 502 a glassmember. A top surface of the glass member can represent an outer surfacefor the housing, and the bottom surface of the glass member is an innersurface that is not exposed. The glass member can serve as a significantouter surface for the housing. For example, the glass member cancorrespond to a top surface for the housing. Alternatively oradditionally, the glass member can correspond to a bottom surface forthe housing. The glass member is typically thin, particularly when usedwith portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the glass memberhas a thickness of less than 5 mm, or more particularly less than 1 mm.

After the glass member has been obtained 502, a frame can be attached504 to a peripheral region on the bottom surface of the glass member.The frame, once attached 504, can serve to protect the touch screenassembly from damage and can provide structural stiffness to the housingfor the electronic device. When attached, the frame is adjacent to thebottom surface of the touch screen assembly. The frame can be attachedto the bottom surface of the glass member using an adhesive. Theadhesive can, for example, by provided as film or layer. Also, themanner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In oneimplementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a peripheralpattern of adhesive that can be placed on the bottom surface of theglass member so as to provide adhesive at the regions on the bottomsurface of the glass member where the mounting brackets are to beplaced. In another implementation, the adhesive can be screen printed onappropriate peripheral portions on the bottom surface of the glassmember. In still another embodiment, the adhesive can be applied to thesurface of the mounting brackets that is to be secured to the bottomsurface of the glass member.

After the frame has been attached 504, a touch screen assembly can beattached 506 to a central region of the bottom surface of the glassmember. The touch screen assembly can include a plurality of touch anddisplay components that are laminated together to implement a touchscreen. The touch and display components can, for example, include adisplay technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touchsensors) and/or a back light component.

The touch screen assembly can be attached 506 using an adhesive. Theadhesive can, for example, by provided as film or layer. Also, themanner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In oneimplementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a pattern ofadhesive (e.g., translucent adhesive) that can be placed on the bottomsurface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at the bottomsurface of the glass member where the touch screen assembly is to beplaced. The adhesive can additionally or alternatively be deposited onthe top surface of the touch screen assembly. In another implementation,the adhesive can be screen printed or sprayed on appropriate portion ofthe bottom surface of the glass member and/or a top surface of the touchscreen assembly.

Next, after the touch screen assembly has been attached 506, mountingbrackets can be attached 508 to the frame. In one embodiment, the framecan be attached 508 to the frame using any of a variety of means, suchas adhesive, screws, snaps or welds.

After the mounting brackets have been attached 508, the resultingdisplay assembly, including the glass member, the mounting brackets, thetouch screen assembly and the frame can be secured 550 to the housing ofthe electronic device. For example, the resulting display assembly canbe secured to the housing of the electronic device by way of themounting brackets and/or the frame. Following the block 550, the housingformation process 500 can end.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing 600according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic devicehousing 600 can result from the housing formation process 500illustrated in FIG. 5.

The electronic device housing 600 includes a housing 602. The housing602 include side members 604 and a bottom member 606. A translucentmember 608 can be provided as a top surface for the electronic devicehousing 600. For example, the translucent member 608 can be a glassmember, often referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member(e.g., plastic).

The electronic device housing 600 can include a touch screen assembly610. The touch screen assembly 610 can include a plurality of touch anddisplay components that are laminated together. The touch and displaycomponents can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g.,LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a backlightlayer. The touch screen assembly 610 can be secured to a bottom surfaceof the translucent member 608 by a layer of adhesive 612.

Additionally, the electronic device housing 600 can include a frame 614which can be secured to the peripheral portion of the bottom surface ofthe translucent member 608 with a layer of adhesive 616. The frame 614is provided within the electronic device housing 600 and providedadjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 610. In oneembodiment, there is a small gap between the frame 614 and the bottomsurface on the touch screen assembly 610. The frame 614 can serve toprovide stiffness to the electronic device housing 600 and can alsoprovide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly 610.Additionally, in one embodiment, a top portion of the frame 614 that issecured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 608 with thelayer of adhesive 616 can slightly overlap (e.g., horizontallyoverlapped) with a least one layer of the touch screen assembly 610. Forexample, FIG. 6 illustrates the top portion of the frame 614 that issecured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 608 with thelayer of adhesive 616 being slightly vertically overlapped with a middlelayer of the touch screen assembly. The ability to overlap slightly inthe horizontal direction provide for improved compact designs that areable to have even further reduced border thickness (between edge ofactive display area and edge of housing).

The electronic device housing 600 can include mounting brackets 618. Themounting brackets 618 can be secured to the side members 604. Themounting brackets 614 can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainlesssteel) or a polymer. The mounting brackets 614 can be thin such as onthe order of 0.1-0.6 mm. The mounting brackets 618 can be secured to theframe 614 as well as to the side members 604 by any of a variety oftechniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesive).

An internal space 620 is provided internal to the electronic devicehousing 600 whereby various electrical components (e.g., includingprocessor, memory, battery and circuit board) can be attached, affixedor placed so as to provide electronic operations for the electronicdevice.

In general, the various members, parts or assemblies of the electronicdevice housing 600 can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g.,glass, polymers or metal. In one embodiment, the translucent member 608is glass, the frame 614 and the mounting brackets 618 are formed frommetal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing 602 is formed fromglass, polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of a handheld electronic device 700according to one embodiment. The handheld electronic device 700 mayinclude a housing 702, e.g., a periphery member, that is arranged to atleast partially surround the periphery of the handheld electronic device700 to form some or all of the outer-most side, top and bottom surfacesof the handheld electronic device 700. The handheld electronic device700 also includes a cover piece 704 that is arranged to be substantiallycoupled to housing 702 to effectively enclose an inner volume of thehandheld electronic device 700. The cover piece 704 may include a glassmember 706, e.g., cover glass provided over a display of the handheldelectronic device 700. In one embodiment, the cover piece 704 includes aprotective frame 708 in which glass member 706 is held. The glass member706 can serve as the top surface of the housing 702. A display region707 of the glass member 706 is that portion of the glass member 706 thatcorresponds to the display (e.g., active display region). Using thetechniques described herein, the display can be secured to the housing702 such that the active display region is able to nearly reach the edgeof the housing. In other words, the border thickness (t) at the sides ofthe housing 702 is able to be reduced as compared to conventionaldesigns. In one embodiment, the border thickness (t) can be 2 mm orless.

The housing 702 may have any suitable shape, including, for example, oneor more elements that may be combined to form a rectangular structure.The housing 702 may at least partially enclose an inner volume in whichelectronic device components may be assembled and retained. The shape ofhousing 702 may substantially define boundaries of the inner volume, andmay be determined based upon the size and type of components placedwithin the inner volume.

The housing 702 may have any suitable size, and the size may bedetermined based on any suitable criteria. Suitable criteria mayinclude, but are not limited to including, aesthetics or industrialdesign, structural considerations, components required for a desiredfunctionality, and/or product design. The housing 702 may have anysuitable cross-section, including for example a variable cross-sectionor a constant cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section maybe selected based on desired structural properties for housing 702. Forexample, the cross-section of housing 702 may be substantiallyrectangular, such that the height of housing 702 is substantially largerthan the width of housing 702. Such a cross-sectional shape may providestructural stiffness in compression and tension, as well as in bending.In some embodiments, the dimensions of housing 702 cross-section may bedetermined relative to the dimensions of the components contained byhousing 702.

In some embodiments, housing 702 may include features 710. The features710 may generally include one or more openings, knobs, extensions,flanges, chamfers, or other features for receiving components orelements of the device. The features 710 of the housing 702 extend fromany surface of housing 702, including for example from internalsurfaces, e.g., to retain internal components or component layers, orfrom external surfaces. In particular, the housing 702 may include aslot or opening (not shown) for receiving a card or tray within thehandheld electronic device 700. The housing 702 may also include aconnector opening (not shown), e.g., for a 30-pin connector, throughwhich a connector may engage one or more conductive pins of the handheldelectronic device 700. Other features 710 included on the housing 702may include, but are not limited to, an opening for providing audio to auser, an opening for receiving audio from a user, an opening for aconnector (e.g., audio connector or power supply connector), and/orfeatures for retaining and enabling a button such as a volume control orsilencing switch.

Additional details on electronic device housings using insert moldingfor certain components are contained in: (i) U.S. application Ser. No.12/895,822, filed Sep. 30, 2010, and entitled “Insert Molded DeviceHousings for Portable Electronic Devices,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; and (ii) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/944,671,filed Nov. 11, 2010, and entitled “Insert Molding Around Glass Membersfor Portable Electronic Devices,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Although mounting brackets and a frame for a display assembly arediscussed above as separate components (which can facilitate assembly),it should be understood that the mounting brackets and frame arestructural components that are used in an electronic device. In oneembodiment, the mounting brackets and frame are integral. In anotherembodiment, the mounting brackets and frame are interchangeable.

Although various embodiments discussed herein include a touch screenassembly, various other embodiments may not include touch screencapabilities. In such other embodiments, a display assembly would beused in place of the touch screen assembly. The display assemblyincludes at least a display technology layer. The display assembly canalso include a back light component.

In general, the steps associated with the methods of the presentinvention may vary widely. Steps may be added, removed, altered,combined, and reordered without departing from the spirit or the scopeof the present invention.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described above may be used alone or in various combinations.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features that aredescribed in the context of separate embodiments may also be implementedin combination. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can insome cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combinationmay be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

While embodiments and applications have been shown and described, itwould be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above arepossible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable electronic device, comprising: anelectronic device housing including a bottom surface and side surfaces;a glass cover for a top surface for the electronic device housing; ascreen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the topsurface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of theglass cover prior to securing the glass cover to the electronic devicehousing; and at least one mounting structure configured to secure to aperipheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover to theelectronic device housing.
 2. A portable electronic device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the mounting structure is secured to at least one ofthe side surfaces.
 3. A portable electronic device as recited in claim1, wherein the portable electronic device comprises: an internal supportstructure secured within the electronic device housing.
 4. A portableelectronic device as recited in claim 3, wherein the internal supportstructure is adjacent the bottom surface of the screen assembly afterthe glass cover is secured to the electronic device housing, whereinbetween the internal support structure and the bottom surface of thescreen assembly is a separation gap, and wherein the separation gap isabout 0.1-1.0 millimeters.
 5. A portable electronic device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the screen assembly is a touch screen assembly.
 6. Aportable electronic device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the side surfaces is molded in place.
 7. A portableelectronic device as recited in claim 3, wherein the internal supportstructure is secured to the at least one mounting structure, and whereinthe at least one mounting structure is secured to the peripheral regionof the bottom surface of the glass cover using an adhesive.
 8. Aportable electronic device as recited in claim 7, wherein the at leastone mounting structure comprises a pair of rails secured at oppositesides of the peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass cover.9. A portable electronic device as recited in claim 1, wherein the atleast one mounting structure is secured to the electronic device housingand is configured to secure the glass cover and the screen assembly tothe electronic device housing.
 10. A portable electronic device asrecited in claim 1, wherein thickness of the glass cover is about0.3-1.0 mm.
 11. A method for assembling an electronic device, the methodcomprising: obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottomsurface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantiallyall of a surface of the electronic device; attaching mounting bracketsto a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member;attaching a top surface of a touch screen assembly to a central regionof the bottom surface of the glass member, the glass member, the touchscreen assembly and the mounting brackets forming a resulting displayassembly; and thereafter securing the resulting display assembly to aproduct housing using the mounting brackets.
 12. A method as recited inclaim 11, wherein the attaching of the mounting brackets comprises:applying an adhesive to the peripheral region of the bottom surface ofthe glass member or the mounting brackets; and pressing the mountingbrackets against the adhesive at the peripheral region of the bottomsurface of the glass member.
 13. A method as recited in claim 11,wherein the attaching of the touch screen assembly comprises: applyingan adhesive to a top surface of the touch screen assembly or the bottomsurface of the glass member; and pressing the touch screen assembly tothe bottom surface of the glass member via the adhesive.
 14. A method asrecited in claim 13, wherein the mounting brackets are metal.
 15. Amethod as recited in claim 14, wherein the thickness of the mountingbrackets is about 0.1-0.6 mm thick.
 16. A method for assembling anelectronic device, the method comprising: obtaining a glass memberhaving a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing anouter surface for substantially all of a surface of the electronicdevice; attaching a peripheral structure to a peripheral region of thebottom surface of the glass member; attaching a screen assembly to acentral region of the bottom surface of the glass member, wherein theglass member, the peripheral structure, the screen assembly forming aresulting display assembly; and thereafter securing the resultingdisplay assembly to a product housing using the peripheral structure.17. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein the attaching of theperipheral structure comprises: applying an adhesive to the peripheralregion of the bottom surface of the glass member or a portion of theperipheral structure; and pressing the peripheral structure against theadhesive at the peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glassmember.
 18. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein the attaching ofthe screen assembly comprises: applying an adhesive to a top surface ofthe screen assembly or the bottom surface of the glass member; andpressing the screen assembly to the bottom surface of the glass membervia the adhesive.
 19. A method as recited in claim 18, wherein theperipheral structure is metal.
 20. A method as recited in claim 18,wherein the peripheral structure includes or couples to at least onemounting bracket.
 21. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein thethickness of the mounting brackets is about 0.1-0.6 mm thick, andwherein the mounting brackets and the frame are formed from stainlesssteel.
 22. A portable electronic device, comprising: an electronicdevice housing including a bottom surface and side surfaces; a glasscover for a top surface for the electronic device housing; at least oneperipheral internal support structure secured to a peripheral region ofa bottom surface of the glass cover; a screen assembly having a topsurface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a centralregion of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and at least onesurface support structure secured within the electronic device housingsuch that the at least one surface support structure is adjacent thebottom surface of the screen assembly.
 23. A portable electronic deviceas recited in claim 22, wherein the at least one peripheral internalsupport structure and the at least one surface support structure aremetal.
 24. A portable electronic device as recited in claim 22, whereinthe thickness of each of the at least one peripheral internal supportstructure and the at least one surface support structure is about0.1-0.6 mm thick.
 25. A portable electronic device as recited in claim22, wherein the screen assembly is a touch screen assembly, and whereinthe at least one surface support structure is secured to the at leastone peripheral support structure or to at least one of the sidesurfaces.